VOORHEES, NJ - AUGUST 28: Ethan Samson of the Philadelphia Flyers poses for his official headshot for the 2021-2022 season on August 28, 2021 at the Virtua Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, New Jersey. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
Photo Credit: Len Redkoles/Getty Images
Ethan Samson is looking to earn a spot with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He was actually a bit impressive at Flyers Developmental Camp last week, and one underrated part of his game is his skating.
I don’t think enough people talk about the way he skates, some just talk about the offensive side of the game. Samson transitions well and it really helps his bread and butter, that being the Power Play. He also has an accurate shot from the point.
As stated above, Samson’s offensive game has always been there, but he’s become more defensively responsible. Defense is obviously his position, so it’s good his 200ft game has improved over the course of the year for the Prince George Cougars. The offense has always been there, but when he skates like he does in this video he become more reliable on the backend, as well. Good for him for working hard with his overall game.
A 6’3, 183 pound, Right-Handed Defenseman was selected by the Flyers on July 23, 2021 in Ethan Samson. He recalls the day well, and for Ethan he will remember this day for the rest of his life, “Getting drafted is something that you dream about as a kid,” Samson said to me in an interview last year. “Both of my parents have done a lot for me, especially in my hockey career, while taking me to practices and everything. Both have equally sacrificed, so it was a good day.”
For his efforts, Samson really turned some heads in the WHL last season for the Prince George Cougars. Samson, 19-years-old born on August 23, 2003, relished a leadership role with this club and it fueled a career year for Samson. It’s not just about goals and assists, it’s about playing well defensively and he’s done that by being physical, with good gap control, while getting bigger and stronger in the process. For his efforts, Samson netted 18 goals and has tallied 42 assists for 60 points in 60 games played.
Samson plays for two familiar faces within the Flyers organization in Mark Lamb (General Manager/Head Coach) and Jason Smith (Associate Coach). Mark Grieg a scout for the Flyers was very high on Samson at the draft:
“His frame’s going to still fill out as he’s an August birthday. He’s got some room to develop. Right-hand shot and for a D-man it’s always an asset as we find them harder to find. I think he’s got a lot of development left; he’s going to play on a good team in P.G. and for a good coach. He’s got upside.” – Mark Greig
Ethan is a young man from North Delta, BC, CAN, where hockey has been his blood since he was born practically. He works hard, and that is evident in his third season with the Cougars, “That was a big part of my game when I was younger and I’m finding it now more Juniors,” Samson said in reference to his offensive side of the game. “I think age and confidence are two big factors with the puck. I try not to think about pressure too much, just go out and play the game.” He leads by example, and does whatever is necessary for his team to win the hockey game. Samson was a bit more physical last season, he just seemed to be play with more of an edge to his game.
“You want to win, sucks losing. Get bigger and stronger, I have to play the defensive side of the puck. The next level is a lot faster, and you also have to play better D.” – Samson says what he has to improve upon to make the next level.
Samson has really showed his range by playing in any situation the coaching staff asked of him last season, to include the power play. His skating has appeared to be smoother than in prior years, as he just is playing much much calmness and poise for an 19-year-old. At this rate he appears to be a hidden gem that was discovered in the sixth round like fellow Flyers prospect Tanner Laczynski was.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
